Premier Foods, Coca-Cola and More Commit to Cut Calories Across UK Brands

Mar 26 2012 --- Premier Foods, home to some of Britain’s most famous brands, has announced that it is to reduce calories across one third of its portfolio by 2014 as part of its latest contribution to the Public Health Responsibility Deal. In addition, at least 30% of the company’s new products will provide consumers with lower calorie choices.

The commitment was announced along with similar pledges from other food businesses to help deliver the Department of Health Call to Action on Obesity challenge to the population to reduce its total calorie consumption by 5 billion calories a day. Calorie reductions are to be achieved through product reformulation, portion size changes, education and information and actions to shift the marketing mix towards lower calorie options.

Premier Foods calorie plans will focus on the company’s Power Brands including Ambrosia, Batchelors, Hovis, Loyd Grossman, Mr. Kipling and Sharwood’s (Oxo and Bisto are already low in calories). Already this year, calories are being incrementally reduced across the Hovis Soft White range through reducing fat and saturated fat levels, helping consumers on their way to eat 100 calories less per day*. This covers a total of 12% of the company’s branded portfolio representing more than £130 million of sales.

Additionally, the company will ensure that 30% of its new products are focused on providing lower calorie options. For example, the new Ambrosia rice pot range launched this year replaces the current 150g and 135g pot sizes with a wider selection, providing consumers with smaller, lower calorie choices as follows:

•    115g - 99 calories and perfect for a light snack
•   120g - 130 calories and ideal for smaller appetites
•   190g - 200 calories for a more fulfilling snack
•   500g sharing pot for four people with an individual portion size of 125g.

The company’s calorie reduction pledge forms part of its long-standing commitment to provide consumers with a wide range of better-for-you options through reducing nutrients of concern such as salt, saturated fat and trans fats, the addition of positive ingredients such as wholegrains and fruit and vegetables or the provision of portion size choices to help consumers manage their diets.

Other companies that have announced plans to lower calories across their ranges in the UK are Tesco Plc (TSCO), Nestle SA (NESN), Coca-Cola Co. (KO) and Asda, the U.K. supermarket chain owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), who have all also pledged to cut portions and reformulate products as part of a U.K. government drive to curb obesity.